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Business Structures Flashcards Preview

What are the key elements of a valid Partnership?

Must have two or more partners. Must intend to engage in business for profit. Life of partnership is of limited duration in most cases. Agency/fiduciary relationship is created. Partnership interest is always considered personal property.

2

Can corporations and other partnerships become partners in a partnership?

Yes; corporations and other partnerships can become partners of a partnership

3

Name the Basics of Partnership Formation - Form of agreement and intent

Agreement can be very informal - either ORAL; IMPLIED or WRITTEN

Intent is to make a profit

4

When must a partnership agreement be in writing?

Must be WRITTEN if partnership activity falls within Statute of Frauds:

A. Can't be completed in 1 year

B. Even if partners reside in different states; not necessary unless within Statute of Frauds

C. Neither dollar amount of transactions nor purchasing of real estate has bearing on whether partnership agreement must be in writing

5

How are profits shared in a partnership?

Profit sharing is equal by default

A. Unless partnership agreement says otherwise

B. Unless specified; sharing of losses follows same pattern as sharing of profits

6

What is the Liability of General Partners in a partnership?

Joint Liability - Partners are collectively liable for debts/torts

Several Liability - Partners are individually liable for debts/torts

7

Which assets may creditors of a partnership go after; and in which order?

Creditors must go after partnership assets first before suing partners individually

8

What are the rights of a General Partner in a partnership?

General Partners have joint control over the management of the partnership and its affairs

Unanimous vote needed to change the structure of the partnership

Each partner has full right to inspect partnership accounting and business

Partner has the authority to assign their interest to another partner

9

What does and does NOT happen when a General Partner assigns their partnership interest to someone else?

1. Other party gets that partner's share of the profits and/or capital contribution.

2. Does NOT give assignee authority to vote on partnership business

3. Assignee does NOT have right to inspect partnership books

4. Assignor still maintains liability

5. Partner does NOT have the right to assign their interest in partnership property or allow partner's creditors to attach a lien.

10

What is the actual authority of a partner in a partnership?

Has authority to bind the partners to a contract.

11

What is the APPARENT authority of a partner in a partnership?

A third party reasonably believes partner has authority to bind partnership to contract

Cannot use apparent authority to add a new partner

Cannot use apparent authority to sell or bind partnership assets

12

With respect to liability on subsequent debts; what happens when a partner withdraws from a partnership?

Partner not liable assuming notice given.

Notice must be given to nullify apparent authority

People who had knowledge of their role must be personally notified

Public must be notified

13

With respect to PRECEDING debts; what is the liability of a partner in a partnership?

Becomes liable to third parties *IF* they knew of their involvement

When does the dissolution of a Limited Partnership occur?

Automatically happens

1. Once final General Partner leaves2. Time specified in certificate lapses3. Event specified in certificate happens4. Unanimous consent by partners5. Illegal activity

24

What is required to form a Limited Liability Partnership (LLP)?

1. Majority vote required to form LLP2. Articles of LLP filed with Secretary of State3. Governed by laws of that State4.Limited Liability Partnership must be in name5. No General Partners - each LLP partner has limited liability - Exception: Negligence of partner or those under partner's supervision

25

What are the key aspects of a Limited Liability Company (LLC)?

Members can participate in management and retain limited liability

Members don't own any interest in LLC property

Members can assign interest; but not transfer it

Members divide profits equally unless otherwise stated

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What are the key aspects of Joint Ventures (JV)?

Similar to a General Partnership; except generally; a JV is for a single business activityExample: two companies promote a concert

Ability to bind other JV partners is limited

JV partners still have a fiduciary responsibility to JV

No state filings or paperwork necessary

27

What are the key aspects of a corporation?

Shareholders have limited liability to the extent of their capital contribution

C Corporations have a perpetual life and continue even after shareholder death

Corporations are a separate legal entity from their owners and can own property; sue; be sued

Corporations must file Articles of Incorporation in state of governance

28

What are some of the advantages of a corporation?

Ability to raise capital

Limited liability - unless actions occur that pierce the veil

Ease of ownership transfer

29

What actions can pierce the veil of a corporation?

Commingling of assets

Fraud

Under-capitalization

30

How is a corporation governed?

Board adopts Corporate Bylaws to govern company business

31

What items are required in a corporations Articles of Incorporation?

Name; purpose; powers of Corporation

Name of registered agent & incorporators

Stock share classes authorized; par values

Name of corporate officers NOT required

32

What is the biggest disadvantage of a corporation?

Double taxation

33

How are corporations formed by promoters?

Promoter issues prospectus; arranges capital; and is a fiduciary of the corporation.

A promoter may profit from work performed if the corporation is aware of it.

34

When is a corporation liable for pre-incorporation actions taken by a Promoter?

Promoter personally liable unless third party agrees to a novation and releases Promoterfrom liability; UNLESS the corporation adopts.

35

In how many states must a corporation incorporate?

Corporations are only incorporated in one state

Become adomestic corp. in that state

Become aforeign corp. in any other state they do business in

36

Describe Common Stock dividends and their rights/liabilities in relation to shareholders/corporations.

Dividends are NOT a shareholder right

Once declared; dividends become a liability to corporation

37

What are key aspects related to the holding of Preferred Stock?

No voting rights

Get first rights to dividends and liquidation

Cumulative Preferred Stock dividends that go undeclared accumulate and Corporation must pay it before issuing dividends to Common Stockholders

Participating Preferred Stock gives shareholder right to dividends in addition to what they get as Preferred Stockholders

38

What aspects are related to all classes of corporate stock?

Valid consideration must be given for shares

Cash; property; or services performed

No promises to pay or perform services

39

What are the key aspects of Treasury Stock?

No Gain/Loss recognized on Treasury stock

Have no voting rights

Can be re-purchased below par

Cannot produce dividends

40

What is a stock subscription and what is required for it to be valid?

An offer to buy shares of stock

Must be accepted by corporation to be valid

Offer cannot be revoked for 6 months

Subscriber becomes liable once accepted

41

When is a corporation liable for torts by employees?

If committed within the normal scope of the employee's job

Even if they were disobeying orders

Per respondeat superior

42

What are the key aspects of a corporate officer?

Appointed by the Board of Directors

Act as Agents

Owe a fiduciary duty to the corporation

Can have legal fees paid by corporation for defense in lawsuit brought on them from carrying out their normal duties (exception- suit brought against officers by shareholders)

43

What are the key aspects of a corporation's board of directors (BOD)?

Elected by shareholders

Owe fiduciary duty to corporation

Must act in good faith to avoid being liable for bad judgment

Good faith is NOT a defense for negligence

44

What is Ultra Vires?

Corporation management acting beyond what the Articles of Incorporation allow

Shareholders can sue for Ultra Vires

45

When is inspecting Board minutes the right of a shareholder?

Shareholders can inspect Board minutes and records only if request is in good faith

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Who must approve mergers and consolidations?

Boards must approve

Shareholders must approve by Majority

Disapproving shareholders can get an appraisal and get their stock back at current market price